comparison between two paragraphs below

Was their conflict similar or different than yours?

1. Do you agree with how they handled it or would handle it in the future?
2. What other suggestions might you have for them to think about?

In my previous role at Toyota Manufacturing Canada, I encountered a conflict regarding job rotation. I was trained in both assembly and weld shop areas, giving me the ability to perform various tasks. However, I was assigned only two jobs in the assembly area, whereas colleagues with higher seniority had more job rotation and broader responsibilities.

Initially, I remained silent despite the repetitive tasks causing physical strain on my body. The issue became more apparent when I observed that senior team members, who were also trained in multiple areas, were not rotating jobs. My concerns grew when I discovered that other colleagues shared similar frustrations.

To resolve the issue, I approached my supervisor and outlined the difficulties I faced, emphasizing the impact on my well-being. We reached an agreement that allowed me to alternate between the assembly and weld shop areas, which improved my working conditions and alleviated physical strain. The resolution was positive, enhancing both my work environment and job satisfaction.

Reflecting on this experience, I realize that addressing the issue sooner could have prevented unnecessary stress. In my future profession, I plan to manage conflicts proactively by raising concerns early and communicating clearly with supervisors. This approach will help address issues before they escalate, leading to a healthier work environment and better performance.

An experience in which I had conflict in the workplace was at a past job working as a cook. I was new to the position and was having a tough time keeping up during a busy dinner shift as I didn't have the menu memorized yet. A fellow cook became frustrated with me, and a shouting match took place.

They were angry that I was behind and slowing down the pace and I reacted defensively and an argument ensued. The argument itself wrapped up quickly as we were in the middle of service and needed to continue our work. After the rush, we were able to have a conversation about it and express our frustrations more suitably but ultimately I feel like I conceded and took the blame when it wasn't necessarily my blame to take. Overall, I would say it was a negative conflict and it could have been dealt with better.

After going through this module the main thing I would change about that conflict is to remain calm. It was a high-stress situation, and I could have taken time to pause and think in the moment instead of becoming defensive and fueling the conflict. We each had a common goal of getting through the dinner service. Later in my conversation with them I could have identified shared challenges and used "I" statements to convey information I wanted them to hear.

I feel I will be much more prepared to deal with conflicts in my future profession in the healthcare field. I see myself dealing with this type of conflict by inviting people to resolve conflicts instead of ignoring them and avoiding becoming defensive. Recognizing ego and control in myself and others during a conflict and being open to mutually beneficial compromise are things on which I can work. Practicing and implementing steps to setting the stage for conflict management, demonstrating interpersonal strategies such as active listening, and using collaborative communication to promote open dialogue will also help achieve this.